The new-for-2019 Class One rules is a first step, and Gass says Audi is keen for "further internationalisation".

“Placing and operating as high-calibre a championship as the DTM strictly in Germany is very difficult in the medium and long term," he said. "That’s why a further internationalisation is very attractive and important.

"Aston Martin’s participation marks an important initial step in this direction.

"Another important step will be to change the name of the DTM. Whenever it came to attracting the interest of new manufacturers in the DTM in recent years we repeatedly experienced that the D in the DTM’s brand name is a stumbling block for international manufacturers."